The short answer is that Yen Chu and George Davis see a need to improve global mental and physical health by creating a greater awareness of the fusion of yoga and naturism in the mainstream world culture. This approach may be original but the philosophy and practices that Naked Yoga represents have been around for thousands of years and are as valid now as ever.

Yoga is for everyone. You can be any religion or non-religion to practice. You can be any body size. You can be any age. You are never too old to begin a yoga practice. Initially, you may not be able to accomplish some of the photo-illustrated poses in this book. Don’t worry about it. For example, George Davis has been practicing yoga for 32 years. Due to his body structure, he will probably never do a forward bend where his chest reaches his leg. However, it doesn’t make any difference. He does a modified form that is of much benefit to him as the same pose is for one of his more flexible brothers and sisters. Thus like George, you can modify the exercises and poses to accommodate your own physical limitations. Whatever effort you make to establish a yoga practice will reward your body and mind with increased flexibility and energy.

There are many fine fitness activities and sports to participate in. The undisputed advantage of yoga is that it uses a small amount of space and no equipment, including clothing.

Nudity is the natural state of man. Until the invention of loom technology about 6,000 years ago, everyone in all climates (hot, moderate, or temperate) went naked. Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century reported naked Indians living in freezing temperatures in Tierra del Fuego (very southern Argentina). Fur was the only clothing available and was only used in the coldest of cold climates. Even in more historic periods of ancient Greece, Rome, Persia, India, and Japan, people only wore clothes as an optional necessity. (note: If the phrase “optional necessity” appears contradictory, think in terms of tipping in a restaurant or giving Christmas presents to close relatives.) As a general rule, bathing and sports were done naked. Later, theocratic fundamentalist religions seized control of these regions. For political and social control, they introduced concepts of body shame and sinfulness of sensuality. Even in modern times when secular state socialist governments came into power, they found that continuing the practice of body shame and suppressing natural instincts to be a good way to maintain social and political control. A new twist in social control in modern consumer societies is the use of sex, advertising, and pornography to create unreal and unsatisfying needs and wants. Instead of shame, nudity is made to equal a special Hollywood body-image sexuality that can be used to sell things and manipulate behavior.

Change is happening. Millions of people today in Europe and in sections of America, like Northern California, are practicing naturism. They go to clothing-optional beaches, resorts, and campgrounds. They are reclaiming naked sports like running, hiking, swimming, surfing, and yoga.

Like nudity, yoga goes back to the dawn of time. Prehistoric art shows people in yoga postures. When the first person took a deep breath to see if it felt good, yoga was being practiced. When the first person took a full body stretch, yoga was being practiced. For thousands of years, yoga practitioners have known that there is an integration of mind and body. One can use the body to exercise the mind.

Among the undisputed benefits of yoga for those with a normally functioning body are that it:

() Tones the body

() Delays aging

() Adds flexibility to joints and skeleton

() Improves circulation as well as heart and lung capacity

() Aids digestion

() Strengthens the back and helps posture

() Relaxes the whole body

() Helps with hormone levels by balancing the endocrine system

() Nourishes all organs and glands

() Alleviates aliments and strengthens the immune system

() Cleans and removes toxins

() Energizes the mind and body, which makes yoga an invaluable preparation for other sports, work, social interaction, or more passive pleasures

For most people from a time and efficiency perspective, yoga takes no time to practice. Yoga creates so much energy and relaxation that most people need less nighttime sleep to feel well rested. The one hour you spend doing yoga is one hour you don’t have to spend in bed.

The practice of naked yoga brings about a good body self-image and a sense of well being. If sloth or procrastination is your only excuse, the time to start practicing yoga is now!